Don't miss the Perseids meteor shower in Luxembourg

One of the finest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids, is taking place over Luxembourg and is expected to peak on August 12 and 13.

11.08.2014

One of the finest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids, is taking place over Luxembourg and is expected to peak on August 12 and 13.

The spectacular celestial show, in which up to 100 bright meteors can be spotted per hour at its peak, is active from July 17 to August 24.

However, the peak is expected on August 12 and 13 after 10.30pm depending on your location and light conditions.

The Perseids are named after the Perseus constellation, where the meteor shower seems to come from. However, it is known that the phenomenon is caused by the Earth passing through the dust particles left in the trail of the Swift Tuttle comet. This debris burns up in the atmosphere, travelling at around 59,000 kilometres per second, producing the majestic shooting star spectacle.

The best viewing can be done in rural areas where light pollution is limited such as parks or fields. To spot the shooting stars, look northeast, halfway up into the sky.

A public viewing will be organised by Luxembourg's Amateur Astronomers on August 14, from 10pm at Donatuskapelle Beidweiler. For more information, visit www.aal.lu